Shoulder pad



A ril 16, 1929. R. T. MULLINS 1,709,134

SHOULDER PAD Filed Feb. 28, 1927 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 April 16, 1 929. R. T. MULLINS 1,709,184

SHOULDER PAD Filed Feb. 28, 1927 2 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Apr. 16, 1929.

UNITED STATES 1,709,184 PATENT OFFICE.

ROBERT THOMAS MULLINS, O] BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, ASSIGHOB TO A. G. SPALDIN G & 3308., 01 NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY.

SHOULDER PAD.

Application filed February 28, 1927. Serial No. 171,413.

This invention relates to an improved shoulder pad designed for use in playing football.

A principal object is to provideashouldcr pad in which a blow received on the shouldor portion of the pad cannot be transmitted to any localized part of the bed of the wearer, but is cushioned and distributed over a considerable area. This aim is accomplished by providing the pad with a rigid arch construction and by supporting the arch out of contact with the shoulder by an adjustable stra A further object is to provide a shoulder pad in which flexible straps hold thepad in an elevated position, thereby providing for greater freedom of shoulder and arm action when needed, as in throwing a-forward pass.

While a preferred embodiment of the 1n- 2 vontion has been disclosed for purposes of illustration, it will be understood that various changes of structure may be made without departing from the spiritaiid scope of the invention as hereinafter set forth and clalmed.

In the drawings Fig. 1 is an elevation of a shoulder pad embodying the invention; V

Fig. 2 is a section on line 22 of F g. 2; Fig. 3 is a section on line 33 of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a section on line 44 of Flg. 2. Referring to the drawings more specifically, the shoulder pad is composed of two sim1- lar sections 10 and 11 secured together by a lacing 12 at the back and by a lacing 13 at the front. The body of each section is built up of two layers of felt 14 and 15 secured together along their marginal edges by a line of stitching 16. Between these layers of felt is placed a stiff reinforcing member 17 made from leather, fiber, or other suitable material, the member 17 being arched over the shoulder and cut out around the neck opening. In order to hold the reinforcing member 17 permanently in arched position a curved steel spring 18 is riveted to the member 17 on the inside of the arch in the manner clearly shown in Figs. 3 and 4.

To make more effective the shielding action of the rigidly arched sections 10 and 11 they are carried on the body in such a manner that the top of the arch is held elevated above the shoulder. This is accomplished by means of a flexible strap 19 secured within each section and adapted to engage the shoulder of the 65 wearer. The straps may be of any suitable construction, those illustrated consistin of a leather strap 20 reinforced by a piece 0 fabric 21. One end of strap 19 is permanently attached to the rear part of the shoulder section by stitching 22. The other end of the strap passes through a slit 23 formed .in the front part of the shoulder section and is adjustably secured, as by a thong 24 engaging holes 25 in the strap. v

These parts cooperate to form an eflicient shoulder protection in which the stiff reinforcing member is permanently kept in arched position and is suspended from the shoulder by a flexible strap. The force of any blow received on the top of the arched member is transmitted to the shoulder of the wearer only through the flexible strap, and is thereby cushioned and distributed over a considerable area.

Directly over the shoulder the felt sections are provided with projecting extensions 26, over which is hinged a reinforced epaulette 27, the hinged joint being further protected by a reinforced member 28 stitched to the shoulder section at 29. The reinforcement of this member is,specifically, a strip of spring steel 30, bent or held in arch form, corresponding to the inner contour of cap 28, by rivets 31.

.1. A shoulder pad comprising an arched shoulder portion, the top of the arch being reinforced by a resilient spring member, and a flexible member positioned below the arched shoulder portion, the ends of the flexible member being attached to opposite sides of the arched shoulder portion.

2. A shoulder pad com rising an arched shoulder portion, the top of the arch being re inforced by a resilient spring member, and a flexible member positioned below the arched shoulder portion, the ends of the flexible member being attached to opposite sides of the arched shoulder portion, and the intermediate portion of the flexible member being spaced from the arched portion.

3. A shoulder pad comprising an arched shoulder portion, the top of the archbeing reinforced by a resilient spring member, and a flexible member positioned below the arched shoulder portion, one end of the flexible member being permanently secured to one side of the arched shoulder portion, the other end of the flexible member being adjustably secured to the opposite side of the arched shoulder portion.

weegee nently secured to one side of the arched body, and the other end of the flexible member being adjustahly secured to the opposite side of the arched body.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

ROBERT T. MULLINS. 

